MA - Saugus Branch - Northern Strand Community Trail

[BostonUrbEx]

Don't know if there's a thread in this particular forum yet. I know there's some Saugus Branch threads in other forums, though.

Anyway, Revere section opened up a couple weeks ago. That means the railtrail is now contiguous through Everett, Malden, Revere, and Saugus.

The only rails remaining on the length of the trailed branch is at the Essex St grade crossing in Saugus. About a week ago, pavement markings were put down and the crossing is due to be ripped out soon.

The Lynn section is still in limbo.

[BostonUrbEx]

A couple in crossings in Lynn had the rails pulled a couple weeks ago.

Yesterday was the first Bike to the Sea Day where the annual bike ride was held entirely on-trail except for getting through Lynn, of course. Lynn is still in limbo and progress is a snails pace, if any progress at all. The trail is in great condition except for the Revere section which hasn't been packed down as well as the Saugus section simply due to the fact that it is newer. The Saugus section used to be as brutal, but it has since been packed in so well that it is nearly as good as pavement. Bike to the Sea is working on getting Revere to pave their section of the Northern Strand Trail, which will mean pavement in three contiguous cities.

[BostonUrbEx]

The Saugus Branch will have pavement the full length within a year. Everett and Malden have been done for some time. Lynn is wrapping up paving that has been going on for the past month. Saugus is starting paving. Revere is not expected to be complete until next year.

The extension beyond the Wellington Ave/West St terminus in Everett was approved down to the Mystic River/Encore Casino, and the path will run parallel to the MBTA's Eastern Route Main Line in this section. The MBTA ballast yard is still in the way, and is due to be relocated to Iron Horse Park in North Billerica, but no word on when that relocation will occur.